5. Translation strategies
According to the functions, public signs are classified into four categories, i.e. directing, prompting, restricting and compelling. Each has its own linguistic features and translation strategies.
1) Directing public signs
Used to provide information and indicate what kind of service is provided. Nouns are widely used on the translation. For example, “vegetable” (蔬菜区), “Jingtong Expressway”(京通高速)，”car rental” (租车服务) etc.
Accuracy and conciseness are the language requirements for such signs. Most of the nouns are ready in English language, and can be easily get from a common Chinese-English dictionary.
An exception is the menu in the restaurant. Some of the dishes are typical in China, hence no equivalence can be found in English language. It is suggested that the translated menu be presented to a foreigner to testify the validity before printed.

2) Prompting public signs
Used for prompt ion, such as “WET PAINT” (油漆未干), “STERILIZED” (已消毒), “PRESERVED” (预留席位), “SOLD OUT” (售完), etc. Phrases and single words are frequently used instead of completed sentences. For example, 油漆未干 will never be translated as ‘The paint is still wet”.
Most of the signs are conventionalized and the equivalence can be found on the similar signs in western countries. Translators should be aware of what do the signs look like in other countries, and try to conform to them. For example, if “小心地滑” is translated as “The ground is slippery, please take care”, though can be understood by foreigners, it is viewed as an unqualified translation. Because “小心地滑” has been conventionalized as “Caution: Wet floor!”, anything except is valued negatively.

3) Restricting and compelling public signs
Using of verbs and gerunds are the linguistic features of this kind of public signs. Imperative sentences are frequently used to show directive and compelling, and does not smack of compromise. Additionally, in order to make the signs seem powerful, expressions used on it should be as short as possible. Capital letters should be used to make them prominent.
This kind of public signs should be read as followed:
“KEEP RIGHT” (靠右行驶)
“NO SMOKING”（禁止吸烟）
“DANGEROUS ARTICLES FORBIDDEN”（严禁携带易燃易爆危险品进站）